Despite years of backlash and disapproval from Nina Simone‘s family, celebrity admirers, and fans alike, 2016 saw Zoe Saldana don the role of the R&B icon/civil rights activist in the unauthorized biopic, ‘Nina.’
At the time of its release (as we reported here), the Afro-Latinx actress defended her decision to portray Simone:
“There’s no one way to be black,” Zoe said. “I’m black the way I know how to be. You have no idea who I am. I am black. I’m raising black men. Don’t you ever think you can look at me and address me with such disdain.”
Years later, the 42-year-old actress is singing a different tune. Recently taking to Instagram Live, a tearful Saldana opened up to ‘Pose’ creator Steven Canals to express regret over accepting the controversial gig.
Did you miss any of the action? See it inside:
Zoe Saldana talking about how she regrets playing Nina Simone on a recent live stream (1/2) pic.twitter.com/FMFzPUyRIG
— Fiona Applebum says block Shaun King! (@WrittenByHanna) August 4, 2020
Zoe Saldana talking about how she regrets playing Nina Simone on a recent live stream (2/2) pic.twitter.com/3HEMRHwmpK
— Fiona Applebum says block Shaun King! (@WrittenByHanna) August 4, 2020
As seen in the clip above, Zoe expressed:
“I should have never played Nina. I should have done everything in my power with the leverage that I had 10 years ago—which was a different leverage but it was leverage nonetheless—I should have tried everything in my power to cast a Black woman to play an exceptionally perfect Black woman,” she said. “I thought back then that I had the permission because I was a Black woman…and I am. But, it’s Nina. And Nina had a life and a journey that should be honored to the specific detail.”
Saldana continued by stating:
“We’ve been appropriating ourselves with someone like Nina Simone for a very long time. And I just want her story to be told and I want it to be right because she deserves it,” she added. “I’m so sorry because I love her music. I know better today and I’m never going to do that again. Never.”
*****
Click here to watch the interview in full.
You didn’t think you should say no once they said they were going to put you in black-face? 🙄🙄
‼️STREAM WAP BY THE QUEEN AND PRINCESS OF RAP AT MIDNIGHT‼️
Nah, the song is not good. The best part is the sample
Right. Black face should’ve been the first sign of this wasn’t for you. Despite tons of people telling you, you kept going. Girl bye
Just like the song she worked hard for the money. I don’t blame her and self blame is unnecessary as well
R&B icon??????????????? who the f was writing this shity site?
O well you live and you learn. I enjoyed her performance.
Why should she apologize? This is bs. This shits got to stop.
Zoe, you are an actress and that is your job and you did it great. No need for apology please. Never apologize for doing your job, but feel proud that you were considered for it. You have a wonderful mix that gave you that beautiful “mulata” color that combined with your talent and reputation, earned that role, so my darling, own it! And don’t let anything or anyone tell you different. Acting is an art form that interprets, conveys, messages, history, stories. Be proud, you are a great artist. You didn’t step on anyone’s toes.